Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

NOMINATE SOMEONE DESERVING

Have a teacher in mind? Complete the nomination form and required essay, then submit it to your local VFW Post. The investment that a teacher makes in today’s youth will be the dividends we will all reap from future leaders.

WHO SHOULD YOU NOMINATE?

Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for the award. If you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall, organizes community volunteer projects or invites local veterans to speak in class, anything to help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs, this award is for them.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Step 1: In 350 words or less, describe why you feel your nominee is deserving of the award. Be sure to describe the teacher's innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his or her dedication to education.

Note: Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals. Nominations submitted by relatives or self are not eligible.

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS

Based on the nominees submitted, our post will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 with a $500 award to each winner. The pose will submit the winning names to our District-level judging. From there, the selected winners are forwarded to the Department-level (Texas). Once they are judged on the state level, the winners are passed along to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.​

What Must Teachers Provide

All Post-level nominees, if they win, should provide a one-page resume, up to five pages of documentation of their teaching experience (references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and-shoulder photo of themselves. These items will be forwarded on to the District with the Post Teacher Entry form, nomination form and essay.

When is the deadline?

Nominations must be submitted to your local Post by October 31. Judging occurs November 1-15.

A national $1,000 Past Commander-in-Chief John Smart award for each of the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses.

$1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school

Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.

An all-expenses-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.

Top 10 high school teachers invitation to attend a summer Graduate Seminar at Freedoms Foundation in Pennsylvania. NOTE: (Winners will receive a 1099-MISC as a result of their award and all-expense paid trip.)